Tips on Common Hamster Ailments

How to recognize when your hamster is ill

Common Hamster Ailments

Hamsters, just like humans or any other creature, may
occasionally become ill. Always have the address, opening hours
and emergency numbers of a reliable veterinarian prepared in case
your hamster’s health suddenly and rapidly deteriorates. Because
hamsters are fairly active creatures, and their daily routines
barely change, it’s not difficult to notice unusual behavior in
either their activity level or appearance.
Here are some of the common ailments that a hamster may
experience:

Colds

A cold is easily detected by a lack of activity and ears held
back against the head. The nose may appear swollen because the
fur is ruffled from wiping a nasal discharge. In advanced stages,
the hamster gets thin, the fur loses its luster, and sniffling
and sneezing can be heard. Disinfect the cage, and all watering
and feeding dishes. Provide fresh, dry bedding, and keep the cage
free from drafts. Offer plenty of wholesome foods supplemented
with cod-liver oil. As a preventive measure, it’s a good idea not
to handle your hamster while you have a cold.

Wet Tail

This is a highly contagious bacterial illness that causes severe
diarrhea in a hamster and can, and often does, prove fatal.
Stress is an important factor in the proliferation of wet tail.
Stress during their first few days or weeks in a new home is one
reason this disease is so prevalent in young hamsters. Other
stresses such as sudden changes in diet, habitat overcrowding,
extreme temperatures and unsanitary living conditions can also
cause wet tail to develop in your hamster. If your hamster
develops wet tail, you should bring it to your veterinarian
immediately.

Diarrhea

As an isolated disorder, diarrhea is not to be confused with wet
tail. It is commonly the result of an overfeeding of vegetables
and fruits or contaminated foods. Diarrhea is often indicative of
another ailment, such as stomach upset or blockage. Discontinue
the feeding of fruits and vegetables for a day or two. If the
condition persists, consult your veterinarian.

Constipation

A wet tail can also indicate constipation. In both old and
young hamsters, constipation is directly related to the ratio of
pellets and water they are eating. In the case of the young, they
consume the pellets which swell up in their intestines because
they aren't getting enough moisture. Babies suffering from this
ailment may be saved by making available milksop and juicy
greens. In adults, the same cause is attributable. The hamster
seems to waste away because it will not eat dry food if
sufficient water is not available. Therefore it is essential that
clean fresh water is always available. Provide plenty of carrots,
carrot tops, other leafy vegetables and fruits.

Mange

If your pet shakes its head a lot, scratches its ears, loses its
hair, and has a poor general appearance, check for parasitic
spiders or insects. The condition is mange, which results in
grey, warty scabs on the ears, nose and genitals. Your
veterinarian will probably recommend a medicated bath, Sterilize
the cage and all equipment and replace the bedding. Wash your
hands well after handling the animal. A high standard of hygiene
is necessary to control this condition.

Fleas and Lice

These pests can be passed on to your hamster from cats, dogs,
rats, and mice. You should bring your hamster to the veterinarian
to obtain flea powder to kill the parasites instead of buying off
the shelf products or using your other pet's flea powder, as some
flea powder may contain ingredients that are harmful to smaller
pets. Change the bedding before each application so any eggs
ready to hatch will be discarded. Be sure to eliminate fleas and
lice from all other afflicted household pets to, to prevent
reinfestation.

Runny Eyes

Tears may form in the eyes indicating trouble in the cheek
pouches. Soft food may have become stuck back near the shoulder.
Flush out the pouch with water the temperature of your hamster’s
body using an eyedropper or syringe. Offer only soft foods that
are eaten on the spot. Do not offer excessive amounts that your
pet can hoard in its tender pouches.

Lumps and Bumps

Hard lumps anywhere on the body may be cancerous tumors. Have any
unusual bumps checked by your veterinarian immediately.

Paralysis

A common ailment which can be avoided is paralysis. Often the
result of a lack of exercise, an afflicted hamster will spend
most of its time hunched over, often unable to raise its head.
Provide a roomy cage, an exercise wheel, or some other activity
or recreation to affect a speedy recovery. Another type of
paralysis results from a spinal injury or from a vitamin D
deficiency. The first signs of paralysis are stiffness of the
paws, leading to loss of movements in the forepaws, which could
then lead to death. Feed your hamster plenty of wheat germ and
wheat germ oil.

It’s a good idea to have your pet examined regularly by your
veterinarian.